Suicidal feelings
What is suicidal thoughts and feelings?
Suicide means taking your own life, and sadly, it’s a significant concern for middle-aged men. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for men under 50. In Halton, a striking 75% of all suicides are by men. This raises an important question: why is this happening?
Men’s challenges can be very isolating, as society expects them to be “tough and strong”. The traditional notion of gritting your teeth and soldiering on is still around, but thankfully, times are changing. Society is beginning to understand that men, too, need the right support when life throws its curveballs and that they cope with things differently than women.
Issues like money troubles, addiction, relationship dramas, and coping with the loss of someone you cared about can really mess with our heads but failing to address them can lead to dark thoughts, feelings of despair and hopelessness with many feeling suicide is the only way to make these feelings stop.
Its true women like to talk when they are feeling off. However men are more likely to like to do something physical in order to cope.
Some common ways men cope are:
- excessive drinking or drug use to numb yourself
- feeling constantly angry or getting into fights without knowing why
- neglecting self-care
- Isolating themselves not wanting to socialise or be around others
- thinking that others would be better off without you
In this Video Ricky Hatton talks about how he is speaking up about his own struggles to help encourage other men to do the same
Does any of this sound like you? Although it may feel like a good idea at the time in the long run it only makes matters worse and brings you further down.
Take a moment to think about what’s bothering you. Has there been an unexpected life change, such as a breakup or losing your job? Have you stared to get physical pain such as a sore back? Life’s stresses can come out in us physically not realising it is actually because something is bothering us.
Men tend to approach problems differently than women, and some may hesitate to talk to their partners, friends, or family because we know men don’t want to worry those they love. Don’t keep it all inside. Perhaps start by hanging out with a mate, going for some food or a walk. This might help make you feel better and offload.
Seeking help doesn’t mean you are weak – it means you’re strong enough to face your challenges head on and you don’t have to do it alone.
Men, remember this: suicide is preventable. It’s a permanent response to temporary problems. Head over to our What can you do? | Calm your mind section on the website for ideas on how to calm your mind. You might even want to look for some peer support groups Support Available | Calm your mind to get that extra support shoulder to shoulder with other men who have faced many issues themselves and come out the other side.
Need help now
If you need urgent mental health support call Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 free phone crisis line 0800 051 1508 Free to call from both landlines and mobiles
The Help line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to people of all ages who need urgent mental health support including children and young people.
Need to offload to someone?
24/7 support via phone –
Samaritans are there to listen and are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year call 116 123 for FREE
24/7 support via text –
Struggling to cope and need to talk you can text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for FREE 24/7 support
MONEY WORRIES
Are money worries affecting your wellbeing? Read our guide on the practical steps you can take to calm your mind, plus tips on where to seek expert support.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Helping men cope with grief and loss
Whether it is the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a child, losing someone or something we love can have a devastating impact.